Without insurance, brand-name semaglutide costs roughly $900 to $1,350 per month depending on the formulation. Wegovy, the weight-loss version, carries a retail price of about $1,349 for a monthly supply, while Ozempic (approved for type 2 diabetes) and Rybelsus (the oral tablet) each list at around $936 per month. These are among the highest drug prices in the world for their category. A month’s supply of Ozempic in Canada, for comparison, costs about $147.
Brand-Name Prices by Formulation
Semaglutide is sold under three brand names, each with a different approved use and price point. Wegovy is the injectable pen approved for weight management, and it’s the most expensive at roughly $1,349 per month. Ozempic is also an injectable pen but is approved for type 2 diabetes, listing at about $936 monthly. Rybelsus, the oral tablet form taken daily instead of injected weekly, costs about the same as Ozempic at $936 per month.
One detail that surprises many people: the list price for Ozempic stays the same regardless of dose. Whether you’re on the starter dose or a higher maintenance dose, the monthly cost at retail doesn’t change because each pen is priced per unit rather than per milligram. Wegovy follows a similar structure. The real sticker shock often comes not from dose escalation but from the baseline price itself.
Compounded Semaglutide: $149 to $299 Per Month
Compounded semaglutide, made by specialty pharmacies rather than the brand-name manufacturer, has become the most popular lower-cost alternative. These versions are typically prescribed through telehealth platforms and shipped directly to your door. Monthly pricing varies widely depending on the provider, the length of your subscription, and your dose.
On the lower end, some providers offer plans starting around $149 to $150 per month if you commit to a longer subscription (three to six months). Month-to-month pricing without a commitment typically runs $229 to $249. At higher doses, some providers charge up to $299 per month. A few examples from current telehealth platforms:
- Lowest-commitment plans: $229 to $249 per month with no long-term contract
- 3-month plans: $149 to $209 per month depending on the provider
- 6- to 12-month plans: As low as $150 to $199 per month at starting doses
Keep in mind that compounded semaglutide exists in a regulatory gray area. The FDA has raised concerns about the quality and consistency of some compounded products. These are not identical to Wegovy or Ozempic, and their long-term availability depends on ongoing regulatory decisions. That said, for many people paying out of pocket, compounded versions represent a savings of $700 or more per month compared to brand-name options.
Manufacturer Savings Programs
Novo Nordisk, the company behind all three brand-name semaglutide products, runs savings programs through its NovoCare platform that can dramatically reduce out-of-pocket costs, even for people without insurance.
For the Wegovy injection, uninsured patients can currently access the drug for $199 per month during the first two months at lower starter doses, then $349 per month after that. Novo Nordisk also launched a Wegovy pill, which is available at $149 per month for certain doses through a limited-time savings offer. These programs have expiration dates and eligibility rules that change periodically, so it’s worth checking the Wegovy website directly for the latest terms.
For people with very low incomes, Novo Nordisk’s Patient Assistance Program provides Ozempic for free to uninsured patients whose total household income falls at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. For other Novo Nordisk medications, the income threshold is more generous at 400% of the poverty level. You can look up current federal poverty guidelines through the NeedyMeds website to see if you qualify.
Pharmacy Discount Cards and Cash Pricing
Platforms like GoodRx negotiate lower cash prices at retail pharmacies and can reduce costs significantly compared to the full list price. GoodRx now offers semaglutide pill pricing starting at $149 per month for some doses, available at more than 70,000 retail pharmacies nationwide. That’s a substantial cut from the $936-plus retail price.
These discount prices fluctuate by pharmacy location and dose, so it’s worth comparing prices at multiple pharmacies near you. Costco and independent pharmacies sometimes offer lower base prices than chain pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens, though the gap narrows when discount cards are applied.
Why U.S. Prices Are So High
The pricing gap between the U.S. and other countries is enormous. A month’s supply of Ozempic costs about $936 in the U.S. compared to $147 in Canada. Rybelsus shows a similar spread: $936 domestically versus $158 in Canada. These differences exist because most other countries negotiate drug prices at a national level, while the U.S. largely allows manufacturers to set their own list prices.
This disparity has fueled interest in cross-border pharmacy purchasing and international telehealth services, though importing prescription drugs from other countries carries its own legal and safety risks. For most people, the practical options remain domestic: manufacturer savings programs, compounded alternatives, or discount platforms that bring the monthly cost into the $149 to $349 range rather than the $900-plus sticker price.